More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A rope swing featured in a garden designed by the Duchess of Cambridge and enjoyed by Princess Charlotte and Prince George was designed by a Kent company.
Family-run Cheap Rope, based in Upnor, near Strood, had no idea their swing would be used in the garden, which featured at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The Duchess of Cambridge designed the garden with the theme Back to Nature.
It featured a rope swing and a stream, which were enjoyed by her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Tracey Parr, company secretary said that her family's company were contacted via a contractor, who commissioned the rope swing.
She said: "We didn't know first of all, but they did say that it was going to get a lot of media attention.
"When we started making it, we found out who it was going to be used for.
"When it was at Chelsea Flower Show, it was everywhere.
"My mum has just bought a magazine and there's pictures of Kate and all the children in the garden.
"We were overjoyed to see it. We have sold quite a few."
The company, which has been going for eight years, was started by Tracey's father Colin, his business partner Keith Hunter, and eldest brother Andy. It also has a commercial arm called Chatham Rope.
Employees include Tracey's other brother Ian, her two nephews Joshua and Aaron, and her mum Claudene.
"My dad and my eldest brother used to run the roppery at Chatham Dockyard," she added.
"They left and started Chatham Rope over here in Upnor."
The company moved into their new home at the former Ministry of Defence site in Lower Upnor site in January 2018.
This wasn't the first time they have been asked to supply rope for such a high profile project; Cheap Rope has also been the leading supplier of rope for Game of Thrones since its third season.
The rope swing enjoyed by the Royal children retails for £325, and £20 from every sale goes to the charity Heads Together, which was founded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,Prince Harry and Meghan.
The Duchess of Cambridge said: "I hope that this woodland that we have created here really inspires families, kids and communities to get outside, enjoy nature and the outdoors and spend quality time together."
